As a nation we are growing older and wider. That is not going to stop until everyone learns moderation in portions, activity and eating behaviors.

Today, the Centers for Disease Control says that 65 % percentage of American adults are overweight. Some medical researchers attribute obesity to genetic and biologic reasons, others cite food and diet.

American bodies are getting bigger according to a survey sponsored by textile companies that measured more than 10,000 people using 240 different measurements.

The average men's chest, neck and waist sizes were higher than industry expectations for average. Nineteen percent of men are considered "portly."

In order to pare down that "paunch" you need to realize the shape of the problem and what it could mean to your health.

Men often deposit most of their body fat above the waist.

In other words, they have more of an "apple" shape.

Women, on the other hand, usually carry more of their excess weight in the hips and thighs.

A woman often has a "pear" shape. Those people with more fat around their abdomen, or an "apple" shape, have a higher rate of elevated blood cholesterol and heart disease, as well as high blood pressure and insulin resistance.

Go Down a Notch

Losing weight when you are overweight can reduce your risk of many life-style related diseases.

A benefit is a smaller waist band so you can breath easier.

It sounds simple but until you start realizing what a normal portion size is, your belt will probably not go down a notch.

In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General has begun a campaign that "Calories Do Count."

There are no foods that will cause weight to "melt" away, but exercise and sensible eating along with smart supplementation should be a top priority for health conscious men.

Abdominal girth increases with age, even in fit men so aim for a variety of heart healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, dried beans and lean protein sources.

In addition, reduce saturated fat to less than 10% of calories and cholesterol to less than 300 milligrams a day; limit intake of trans fatty acids.

Exercise is part of any healthy life-style, no matter your gender or age.

Plan for a minimum of 30 minutes at moderate intensity most days of the week.

Lastly, your lifelong goal should be to maintain a healthy body weight.

Muscle Loss

Your body is changing and as you get older your muscles and bones are not what they were when you were younger.

So, overweight men and men in mid-life need to be careful when starting any weight bearing exercise or strength training.

Form is always important as well as stretching and cooling down adequately.

Eventually with dedication and time exercising will become as routine as brushing your teeth.

Furthermore, you will begin to consider what your fuel you body with for nutritional health.

Will You See Your 80th Birthday?What is your life expectancy? Can you rely on good genetics to keep you thriving through the years, or do you need to do more to raise your odds of living longer? Find out your chances of making it to age 80 in thislife-expectancy quiz.

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